As a child my favorite thing to do was to dig into my stocking first thing on Christmas morning! The joy that came from that overflowing stocking was almost to par with whatever large gift I got that year. As an adult I realize that the stocking is almost always an afterthought and most people don’t tell you what they want in their stocking, let alone what they even want for Christmas. Let’s bring some joy back to the stocking gifts and the magic of packing little items in a cute sock!
Below is a quick list of some of my go-to items when shopping for stocking stuffers. Start by listing out the names of the people you need to purchase stocking stuffers for. Are there any small items that you know they will like? For example, my dad collects pins from trips and unique places. I always try to save a pin ahead of time to put in his stocking or order a clever one off of etsy. Another example is my husband; we always have to buy him travel size items before we go on vacation, so a stocking stuffer idea for him is travel sized items he’d actually use on a trip.
Also the predictable items like candy, gift cards, and mini toys are always a good idea. But I love it when people think outside of the box and add in something unexpected yet useful like battery operated twinkle lights, small framed photos, a meaningful ornament, or a useful tool. The goal is to put items in the stocking that people will actually use and enjoy but that aren’t super expensive. Without further ado, here are my recommendations from predictable to meaningful items – I hope you find it helpful!
Stocking Stuffer ideas:
+ Gum (the kids love Big League Chew)
+ Gift cards (Coffee cards are a huge hit for adults)
+ Hair stuff (I’m currently a fan of these scalp massagers)
+ Bath bombs/Soap
+ Chapstick
+ Candy (almost everyone in our family has a favorite)
+ Flashlight
+ Pocket knife
+ Candles
+ Twinkle lights
+ Poo-pourri (they have small to-go versions now too)
+ Small framed photo
+ Mini toiletries or travel items
+ Stickers
+ Ornament
+ Hand Sanitizer (ahem, hello 2020)
+ Small toy or stuffed animal (I got my niece a mini unicorn one year and that was a huge hit!)
+ Tea/Cocoa packets (Or for the adults mini bottles of alcohol)
+ Reusable straws
+ Card games or mini travel games
+ A small and real Orange (which is a family tradition)
The list could go on and on but those are a few ideas to get you started! Get creative & enjoy!!
The Salty Exchange 